Written by the Plenthera team (orthomolecularly trained). Scientifically reviewed in April 2026. Last updated: April 30, 2026.
Green Pasture is not a modern fish oil brand in the classical sense. It embodies the tradition of cod liver oil as our grandparents knew it — fermented in vats, without heat, without solvents. This is based on the work of Dr. Weston A. Price from the 1930s, who documented traditional diets worldwide. It's for those who follow the Weston A. Price Foundation philosophy and value the original vitamin A/D/K2 ratio in cod liver oil. At Plenthera, you'll find Green Pasture's Blue Ice FCLO and X-Factor Butter Oil.
Green Pasture vs Nordic Naturals
| Aspect | Green Pasture (FCLO) | Nordic Naturals |
|---|---|---|
| Production Method | Traditional fermentation | Molecular distillation |
| Philosophy | Wholefood, ancestral | Clinical, evidence-based |
| EPA/DHA per serving | Lower (variable) | High (standardized) |
| Natural A/D/K2 | Preserved | Added or isolated |
| Taste | Strong, fermented | Mild (citrus flavor) |
| Certification | Own quality system | IFOS 5-star |
| Target Audience | Weston A. Price followers | General, sport, clinical |
What is Green Pasture?
Green Pasture is an American wholefood supplements brand specializing in fermented cod liver oil (FCLO) and butter oil. Its production method is based on traditional fermentation without heat — radically different from modern molecularly distilled fish oils. The philosophy is inspired by Dr. Weston A. Price (1870-1948).
Dr. Weston A. Price was an American dentist who, in the 1920s-1930s, researched traditional dietary patterns worldwide. His book "Nutrition and Physical Degeneration" (1939) documents how traditional societies — Inuit, Swiss mountain people, Hebridean islanders — maintained healthy teeth and strong physiology through a wholefood approach with specifically high intake of vitamins A, D, and K2 (then called "Activator X").
Green Pasture translates this philosophy into modern supplements. Their FCLO (Fermented Cod Liver Oil) is fermented in vats, as was traditional — no heat, no solvents, no distillation. The result: oil with natural vitamins A, D, and K2 in their original ratios as produced by the cod.
For those considering Green Pasture: it represents a fundamentally different philosophy than modern high-EPA/DHA fish oils (like Nordic Naturals). The taste is stronger, the EPA/DHA dosages per serving are lower, but the natural vitamins are present. See our fish oil category for broader context, and our omega 3 category for modern alternatives. Green Pasture controversy: in 2015-2016, there was public discussion about quality claims; judge for yourself with public reviews and personal experience.
Philosophy and Quality
Green Pasture operates from a philosophical stance — traditional fermentation, according to them, is not just historical but functionally different from modern distillation. For those who value a wholefood approach, this is a logical choice.
However, there has been public discussion about Green Pasture's quality claims (especially 2015-2016, "Greenpasture-gate"). For balance: read independent reviews, request analysis reports, and judge for yourself based on personal experience.
Green Pasture is a dietary supplement, not a medicine. For those seeking maximum clinical evidence: modern molecularly distilled fish oils have a larger research base. For those who value traditional wholefood philosophy: Green Pasture offers this unique position.
Green Pasture Products
Blue Ice Royal
FCLO + High Vitamin Butter Oil. Combination of two Weston A. Price pillars.
Blue Ice Fermented Cod Liver Oil (FCLO)
Pure fermented cod liver oil. Classic Green Pasture.
Blue Ice Skate Liver Oil
For those avoiding cod — an alternative liver oil source.
X-Factor High Vitamin Butter Oil
Butter oil from grass-fed cows — natural K2 source.
Capsule version
For those who find the taste of the liquid version strong.
How to use Green Pasture?
For Green Pasture products:
- Follow label — typically 1-2 capsules or a teaspoon of liquid per day.
- With a meal for optimal absorption.
- Start with half dosage — strong taste may require getting used to it.
- During pregnancy: cod liver oil attention point for vitamin A — consult a doctor.
- Combine with other wholefood supplements for a complete theme.
Myths and Misconceptions about Green Pasture
Myth 1: "Green Pasture is scientifically proven to be better than Nordic Naturals."
Incorrect. Both have their positions. Nordic Naturals has more clinical evidence; Green Pasture offers a traditional philosophy.
Myth 2: "FCLO is dangerous due to controversy."
Nuanced. There was public discussion in 2015-2016. For certainty: look at specific product tests and reviews.
Myth 3: "Fermented cod liver oil always tastes bad."
Strong, yes — but for those who value the philosophy, it's acceptable. Capsule version bypasses the taste.
Myth 4: "Green Pasture is only for "alternative" users."
Not exclusively — for anyone who appreciates traditional nutrition philosophy.
Combining Green Pasture with other Supplements
Green Pasture products fit into the wholefood cluster:
- Bone broth: ancestral wholefood. See our bone broth category.
- Organ supplements: for a complete ancestral theme. See our organ category.
- Vitamin D: supplement for those who want a higher D dosage. See our vitamin D category.
- Vitamin K2: synergy with vitamins A and D. See our vitamin K category.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Green Pasture?
American wholefood supplements brand, FCLO and Blue Ice products, Weston A. Price philosophy.
What is FCLO?
Fermented Cod Liver Oil — fermented cod liver oil without heat/solvents.
Green Pasture vs Nordic Naturals?
Tradition vs modern distillation. Different philosophies, different goals.
What products does Green Pasture have?
Blue Ice Royal, FCLO, Skate Liver Oil, X-Factor Butter Oil, capsules.
Green Pasture Weston A. Price?
Philosophy inspired by Dr. Price (1870-1948).
Green Pasture cod liver oil taste?
Strongly fermented — not purely pleasant for everyone.
Green Pasture Blue Ice?
Flagship product — FCLO + butter oil combination.
Green Pasture price?
Premium price point compared to classic fish oils.
Green Pasture reviews?
Strong loyal following; also public discussion in 2015-2016.
Green Pasture controversy?
In 2015-2016 public discussion about quality claims. Request own analysis reports for certainty.
Sources
- Price WA., "Nutrition and Physical Degeneration" (1939) — foundation of Green Pasture philosophy.
- Weston A. Price Foundation — source for traditional nutrition context.
- Green Pasture — production and quality information via manufacturer.
Disclaimer: This text is intended for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Green Pasture is a dietary supplement, not a medicine. In case of doubt or medication use, we recommend consulting a physician or orthomolecular therapist first.